Malcolm Lee

It is thanks to Malcolm Lee's visionary approach to traditional Straits Chinese cuisine that the rest of the world is paying more attention to the local fare and its culture. His restaurant, Candlenut, is the world's first Michelin-starred Peranakan establishment. It serves contemporary renditions of traditional recipes that the 33-year‑old hopes will help elevate the reputation of lesser established cuisines such as his own. But ask Malcolm how he defines success, and he will say it is simply when those who matter to him are happy.